Intel’s Alder Lake series of processors is taking the gaming industry by storm ever since it launched last month. The Core i5-x400 and Core i5-x400F (where x represents the generation) are some of the most successful processor SKUs launched by Intel. For the last few years, these processors have packed 6 sweet cores which is enough for gaming these days. Coupled with that, you have a low TDP of 65W generally, and aggressive pricing of $180 – $190. Thus, these processors are sought after for mid-range gaming builds. Following the success of these processors, Intel is coming up with a successor of the popular Core i5-11400. Leaks on the Core i5-12400 are all around the internet. But, recently we had a leak showcasing a new stock cooler for the Core i5-12400F, the 12400’s iGPU-less sibling.
The Leaks
The new non-K series (hence non-overclockable) processors will probably be announced in the upcoming CES 2022. We also had news that the Core i5-12400F already is available for purchase in some markets like Peru. We already have seen an unboxing of that processor from the Peruvian hardware website, XanxoGaming. Check the unboxing out.
The unboxing of the cooler showcases the new cooler design Intel has come up with. We have been receiving concept renders of the probable redesigned Intel stock cooler from last year. And, finally, it seems like the rumors are true.
This new design of the Intel stock cooler showcases a revamped style. We have a fin-styled design and a bigger fan up top. A blue LED rim surrounds the fan. For power and PWM control, this cooler uses a 4-pin fan connector. However, the spiral design looks extremely familiar.
The Wraith Stealth and Spire coolers look strikingly similar to this spiral-shaped cooler design from Intel. It seems like Intel took a Wraith Spire cooler, stripped the plastic shell off it, and rebranded it as their new cooler. Also, Intel stopped shipping Stock coolers with their K-series of CPUs. That makes sense because the K-series CPUs are too hot to cool for the feeble stock coolers. Similarly, this new cooler will only be available with non-K and F series of processors in the Intel 12th gen Alder Lake lineup.
The Core i5-12400F is supposed to have six Golen Cove cores. It will have a base clock speed of 2.5GHz and can boost up to 4.4 GHz. It is rumored to have a price tag of $222. We are expecting this processor to fare for around $185 to $200 in the US. It is going to give strong competition to the Ryzen 5 5600X. Also, the fact that the Core i5-12400F can be paired with even the cheapest B660 and H610 boards makes it an even more affordable choice.
Image credit: XanxoGaming